Organic bean sprouts recalled in Florida: Fullei Fresh Listeria recall just one more recall of sprouts, notorious carriers of pathogens Organic bean sprouts shipped to Whole Foods Markets in Florida have been recalled because of their potential to be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes. Fullei Fresh, based in Miami, is recalling its Organic Bean Sprouts, which were also shipped to Freedom Fresh, a Miami distributor. The recalled bean sprouts were shipped on February 18, 2019. The Florida Department of Agriculture tested a sample that investigators had pulled from a store shelf. Shortly after, Fullei Fresh announced the recall. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is also aware of the recall and the potential contamination. THis is just another in a long string of recalls, and even outbreaks, linked to sprouts that are one of the more difficult food items to sanitize. Affected products are packaged in 4-ounce plastic clam-shells. The package is labeled with UPC 017442052108, the lot code 041, and a sell by date of February 28, 2019. Consumers who have these bean sprouts in their homes should not eat them but should dispose of them properly. Although no illnesses have been reported to date, consumers should be aware of the potential effects of listeria contamination. According to one Listeria lawyer, “listeria is one of the most difficult pathogens to identify because it does not usually show up in a routine stool sample. Most people who actually get identified as having listeria are only identified after a cerebral spinal tap culture following diagnosis with encephalitis or meningitis.” An estimated 1,600 people get listeriosis each year, and about 260 of those infected die. Listeria outbreaks are often linked back to produce, such as sprouts, as well as dairy and fruit products. Listeriosis is caused by listeria monocytogenes, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. For more information about the Fullei Fresh Listeria recall, or to talk to a lawyer about a Fullei Fresh Listeria lawsuit, call 1-888-335-4901